Pool lobby mad at Biden

By Ben Smith

03/19/09 02:10 PM EDT

First, it was the convention and travel industry.

Now the The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (who knew?) is upset that Joe Biden made another belt-tightening suggestion, and blasts out a press release harking back to the WPA-ear construction of giant public pools.

* (APSP) urges Vice President Joe Biden to reconsider his “no swimming pools in this money” remark, regarding the federal stimulus package and swimming pools
* Public pools provide a recreational outlet for those who are suffering most during hard economic times, the working and middle class
* Public pools must comply with the federally mandated Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act to avoid entrapment injuries, which may require investments from states and municipalities
* Failure to maintain public pools results in increased economic, health, and safety problems
* Community pools and playgrounds are part of America’s infrastructure and deserving of federal stimulus funding